What Are Trigger Point Injections?

Have you ever heard of Trigger Point Injections?

At Change Your Pain Kamloops, we provide Trigger Point Injections (TPI) as part of our Chronic Pain Management treatments. If you are suffering from chronic localized and/or widespread pain, ask your RMT or Naturopathic Physician if they think you are a good candidate for TPI.

Why Trigger Point Injections?

People experience muscle pain for a variety of reasons and often it goes away on its own after a few days of rest. Sometimes, though, that is not the case, and we know that chronic pain can harm the quality of life. Chronic muscle pain does not typically go away without some type of intervention. Once trigger points are fibrosed (scarred),they become chronic and often require additional intervention, in the form of an injection. This intervention can be very successful and alleviate most, if not all, of the patient’s pain.

Trigger Points (AKA Myofascial Trigger Points) can shorten muscles and cause severe pain and tension throughout the body. These sensitive bundles of fibers around bands of muscle are caused by overuse of the myofascial tissues. Myofascial Trigger Points may be caused by such things as stress, poor posture, muscle trauma, or repetitive motions. Sometimes trigger points are so large you can feel the knots. These points can be released with manual therapy techniques employed by your Registered Massage Therapist.

TPI is used to treat several muscle groups, including those in the legs, arms, lower back, and neck. They may also be effective as a way to treat fibromyalgia as well as tension headaches.

Do they work?

For many people, TPI provides significant pain relief right away. For others, relief comes more slowly, often taking several days or weeks before their pain improves. A small number of people do not experience any benefits, but neither do they experience any negative impacts. Faced with chronic pain and limited options, at CYPK we believe there is a significant benefit to trying this technique. Our practitioners work together to alleviate pain, improve function, and provide our clients with a greater quality of life.

How are Trigger Point Injections given?

The trigger points are injected with a saline solution and/or Procaine (freezing/anti-inflammatory),depending on the chronicity of the trigger point and the advice of the Naturopathic Physician. The sensation, during the injection, can range from a slight increase in pre-existing pain to no pain at all. Any increased sensation quickly subsides as the muscle relaxes.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects from TPI are generally quite mild, but some patients experience temporary pain or numbness at the site of the injection. It generally resolves on its own after a few days.

Reach Out

Our goal at CYPK is to ensure you have a positive clinic experience directed towards treating your symptoms, providing preventative treatment programs, as well as offering advice to create permanent positive lifestyle changes.

Trigger Point assessments and injections can be booked through the CYPK front desk. We offer a variety of appointment times available, including evenings and weekends. You can find out more details and book your initial consultation today.